The Mayor of Beverley, Cllr Alison Healy, has explained why the “vibrant” East Yorkshire market town should enter the race to become the UK’s first Town of Culture. The Government is hoping to replicate the success of the renowned City of Culture award, which Hull received in 2017, with a new Town of Culture offering.
Beverley is one of a number of East Riding towns to have shown an interest in the new competition. Pocklington, Bridlington, and Driffield have also registered interest.
Towns will be split into three categories based on population. Beverley is classed as a medium town.
- Small town – Under 20,000 people
- Medium town – 20,000 – 75,000 people
- Large town – Over 75,000 people
A finalist will be named from each category and an overall winner will be named. The winner will be awarded £3m to deliver a cultural programme in 2028, whilst the other two finalists will receive £250,000.
Beverley is preparing to submit an “Expression of Interest” for the competition. The LDRS spoke to the town’s Mayor, Cllr Alison Healy who explained why she believes Beverley would be a worthy winner.
Cllr Healy said: “Beverley is such a vibrant jewel in the crown for the East Riding and the cultural offering that it has is absolutely amazing. We started life as a pilgrimage centre for St. John of Beverley. The medieval wool trade actually paid for two magnificent churches—St Mary’s and the Minster. We were actually the tenth largest town in England at one point, all due to the wool trade.”
In addition to the town’s rich history, the Mayor explained that Beverley continues to “evolve” into a modern, thriving town. “In the modern day, we are proud that we have so many cultural groups.
“Isn’t it amazing that we have the New Paths Festival, the Folk Festival, the Stages4Beverley. We have our own theatre in the East Riding Theatre, and our aim in becoming Town of Culture is to build upon these strong foundations.”
Cllr Healy also spoke of the pride the City of Culture award delivered to Hull in 2017. “We want exactly the same for Beverley and Beverlonians” she added.
By: Andrew Spence, LDRS
